FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT STEVE HARVEY SHOW - PAGE 2

"Hey, Joe, pick me!" WLS-Ch. 7 weathercaster Jerry Taft yelled from the back of the room to Joe Ahern, president and general manager of WBBM-Ch. 2. Ahern, the former Channel 7 boss whose return to Chicago several months ago sparked a hiring frenzy among the city's television stations, simply laughed. Taft's employer, general manager Emily Barr, playfully snapped: "Jerry's mine." It was, more or less, that kind of night Tuesday at Spago, 520 N. Dearborn St., when most of Chicago's station chiefs gathered for a discussion of the state of local TV. Sponsored by the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the 90-minute session also included Larry Wert, president and general manager of WMAQ-Ch.

Bernie Mac wove stories, Cedric the Entertainer sang and danced, but it was Tommy Davidson who stole the show during the "Kings of Comedy Tour" Saturday at the United Center. The former co-star of "In Living Color" was a ball of energy as he rolled out nutty spins on everything, from psychic hotlines to honky-tonk music. But it was his antics, his hyperactive, class-clown routine complete with maddening facial expressions, that took him over the edge. Davidson's characters on the early '90s variety show, movie roles and recent appearances on "The Magic Hour" provided only a taste of his talent.

One of the best ways to liven up a television show with a tried-and-true format is by taking advantage of its lead's talent. The WB Network utilizes this technique in two new comedies debuting Wednesday, with mixed results. The upstart teacher format has been a standard on television for years, and it's getting a workout this season, with several programs fronting someone trying to make a difference in young people's school lives ("Mr. Rhodes," "Dangerous Minds"). The WB has two such shows in "The Steve Harvey Show," which bowed Sunday, and "Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher," which premieres at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on WGN-Ch.

To err is human. To joke about it is sometimes divine. Just watch Steve Harvey. The wide-eyed star of TV's "The Steve Harvey Show" -- looking a bit like Richard Pryor's chubbier younger cousin and, what's more, swearing like him -- leads off the quadruple-threat bill in Spike Lee's new concert movie, "The Original Kings of Comedy," and fairly soon he torches the crowd at the Charlotte North Carolina Coliseum. They double over with laughter, slap their knees, howl and roar.

There was some concern when the WB and UPN networks announced fall slates loaded with comedies starring African-Americans. Some figured, rightly or wrongly, that blacks in sitcoms traditionally act silly, ignorant and stereotypical. "The Cosby Show" and "Frank's Place" aside, why should these shows be any different? (See: "The Wayans Bros.") Now those fears can be laid to rest. Not only are most of the new shows that premiere this week cautious in their approach toward African-Americans, they're downright bland.

Issuing guidelines that advise parents how to monitor what their children watch on television is one thing; actually trying to get TV-crazed little rascals to keep their hands off the remote control, well, that's another matter. The American Medical Association is the latest in a long line of so-called experts recommending how parents should police their kids' TV habits. The group's advice is sound, but theoretical. What really happens behind closed doors? To find out we sought out the real experts: parents.

For a daytime talk show about average people, “Steve Harvey” has had a noticeable number of far-from-average guests in its first two seasons. President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Mike Tyson and Honey Boo Boo have all made appearances on the Chicago-based show distributed by NBC Universal and hosted by comedian Steve Harvey. And while everyday people significantly outnumber celebrity guests on the show, it's surprising that the show has any bold names at all. Harvey gave the impression before the show premiered in September 2012 that he had no interest in booking celebrity guests.

Chicago is the home for a new TV talk show hosted by comedian Steve Harvey. The one-hour show, which will air daily across the country, will begin taping from the NBC Tower starting this fall. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's office said the show - with its focus on lifestyle issues such as parenting and relationships - will create around 100 jobs and boost tourism. The news comes amidst a rumors that the city might be losing OWN's "The Rosie Show," which tapes at Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios on the Near West Side, to New York.

Steve Harvey , one of "The Original Kings of Comedy" (D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer and the late Bernie Mac are the other Kings) is stepping down from his stand-up comedy throne after more than 25 years. Harvey will be laughing all the way to the bank during his retirement. Comedy opened the gateway to a successful career in TV ("The Steve Harvey Show," "Family Feud"), radio ("The Steve Harvey Morning Show") and movies ("Think Like a Man"). Why go: Harvey has taken a more spiritual tone to his comedy, but he's still funny as hell.

Two armed men were arrested Thursday in the shooting death of actor Merlin Santana, police said. Authorities said they now have all three suspects. Damien Gates, 20, and Brandon Bynes, 23, both of Los Angeles, were arrested for investigation of murder and were being held without bail. Last week, a 15-year-old girl was charged with murder in Santana's death. Santana, 26, recently appeared in the movie "Showtime" and had a recurring role on "The Steve Harvey Show." He was shot to death Nov. 9.